CarOutlay

2017 RAM 2500 vs 2018 RAM 2500

Same-model NHTSA complaint comparison: raw complaints, recalls, top component families, and reported harm mentions.

Pending review: this curated compare page is generated from two real NHTSA rows and excluded from the sitemap until sampled. Data through 2026; reviewed June 2026.

2017 RAM 2500

Full vehicle record
NHTSA source
Complaints
990
rank #401 of 4,194
Recalls
11
campaigns on record
Top component
Service Brakes
397 complaints (40%)
Reported harm
12 crashes / 12 injuries
0 deaths; 7 fires

2018 RAM 2500

Full vehicle record
NHTSA source
Complaints
3,660
rank #11 of 4,194
Recalls
9
campaigns on record
Top component
Service Brakes
1,788 complaints (49%)
Reported harm
56 crashes / 15 injuries
2 deaths; 4 fires

Largest differences in this pair

Complaint gap

2,670

2017 RAM 2500 has the lower raw complaint count

Recall gap

2

2018 RAM 2500 vs 2017 RAM 2500

Top component overlap

Same family

Service Brakes vs Service Brakes

2017 RAM 2500 problem mix

  • SERVICE BRAKES 397
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 115
  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 73
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 71
  • STEERING 49

2018 RAM 2500 problem mix

  • SERVICE BRAKES 1,788
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 452
  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 334
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 314
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING 151

Frequently asked questions

Which has fewer NHTSA complaints, the 2017 RAM 2500 or 2018 RAM 2500?

2017 RAM 2500 has fewer raw NHTSA consumer complaints in this dataset (990 vs 3,660). This is not a defect rate and is not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Does this mean the 2017 RAM 2500 is more reliable?

No. These are unverified consumer reports and recall campaigns, not production-normalized reliability scores. Use the comparison as one research signal and check a specific vehicle's history before buying.

These are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle, and not financial, safety, or purchasing advice. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).